5 replies to this topic

[cmljax]

My oncologist reduced my Tasigna dosage to 150 MG about 3 weeks ago.  This is 1 tablet per day and he said it didn't matter when I took it each day. Because of fasting requirements of Tasigna I take it in the morning because my first meal is not until around noon.

 

Does anyone here have any experience or advice for what time I take this 1 pill? I have some nagging side effects that have not subsided much since the dose reduction, so I am just wondering if evening or night time would be better than morning.  Thanks

[tiredblood]

When I reduced to 150mg twice daily, my hem/onc told me he really wasn't concerned if I didn't wait the 1 or 2 hours before/after eating, since I was on a reduced dose. 

 

While on the full dose, I'd take my first as soon as my feet hit the floor and the second right before my hour long drive home from work.  I always found it easier to take in one hour before versus two hours after.

 

I just re-read your post about continuing to have nagging side effects, so I'd suggest taking on an empty stomach, waiting the one/two hours-- which ever the case may be.  IIRC, food with the drug makes you have a higher concentration of the drug in your body.  Maybe you could experiment a little or keep a diary on what time of day you take it and what time of day you experience your worst side effects and adjust accordingly.  Honestly, I think these are powerful drugs and rough on our bodies.  Not sure there is a good answer.  I changed to 1/2 usual dose of Gleevec from 1/2 usual dose of Tasigna and continued to have SEs.  I do feel better overall on Gleevec, but not without SEs.

[cmljax]

Thanks tiredblood - I have always maintained the required fasting ritual with Tasigna, so I do not think that is it. Right now I am taking my pill around 8 AM and not eating until around noon.

 

Worst continuing side effect is dry mouth/swollen salivary glands. This issue worsens progressively through the day and usually peaks between 7 and 9 PM. I am on a bazillion things to combat - Caphosol mouthwash; pilocarpine drops; various Biotene products; sugafree gum; sugar-free lemon drops; nothing to drink except plain water.  The dose reductions have reduced the severity of this issue but it is still with me.

 

At the end of the day, I know I am very lucky compared to many on TKI's.  My response has permitted rapid dose reduction which has alleviated most serious side effects, which included a 4 month outbreak of skin cancers, persistent but benign premature atrial contractions and multiple swollen salivary gland incidents. Perhaps I am asking for too much to want this last side effect to go away. The goal is to try cessation in 2 more years if I continue to maintain better than MR 4.5.

[Lori's okay]

My only two bits are that I found if I took Tasigna just before bed I did not sleep as well, even a few hours before bedtime was better.  Congratulations on getting to PCRU on such a low dose!

[jjg]

Experiment and see what works best for you. Keep some form of record. I would give each time slot at least a week maybe even a month as side effects often cycle. Sometime you can sleep through side effects so a night time dose is good. But if the side effect keeps you awake it's not good at all. This is likely quite a personal thing.

[kat73]

cmljax - I don't think you are asking for too much - it seems to me you've suffered plenty!  I for one grant you full kvetching rights.  I think you're gonna get to the TFR Promised Land.